World Cup 2026 | Scotland 0 - 1 Morocco

Scotland conceded after just 70 seconds as they slipped to defeat against a polished Morocco side

However, their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time remain in their own hands

Author | Sean M

Stadium | Boston Stadium

Head coach Steve Clarke had called for the "footballing Gods to be smiling down on us", knowing that a point would have all but secured progression, but the Scots made the worst possible start.

Slack defending allowed Ismael Saibari to fire the Africa Cup of Nations champions, ranked sixth in the world, into a stunning lead inside the opening two minutes.

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Clarke reshuffled his side following Saturday's win over Haiti, with Celtic defender Kieran Tierney deployed on the left of midfield in an apparent attempt to keep Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi quiet.

That plan quickly unravelled when centre-backs Grant Hanley and Jack Hendry allowed Saibari to burst in behind and emphatically put his side ahead.